Gaps Series

Pre-calibrated USBL positioning

and communication systems
Gaps Series are Ultra Short Baseline (USBL) positioning and
communication systems which combine a USBL antenna
and a fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) in the same housing.
Their unique 3D acoustic array enables tracking and
communication from the deep sea to extremely shallow
water, even at angles above horizontal.

FEATURES BENEFITS

• Compact, all-in-one AHRS/INS and USBL solution • Calibration-free

• Absolute georeferenced position for up to 40 beacons • Horizontal-tracking
• Acoustic communication (telemetry) • Highly accurate positioning
• Compatible with dynamic positioning systems • Robust and stable positioning
• Over 500 available preconfigurable targets • Multiple tracking capabilities
• Simultaneous beacons tracking • Plug & play deployment & operation
• 3D acoustic array geometry
• 3rd party transponder compatibility TRACK RECORD

• Integration with all major DP (1, 2, 3 systems) on the market

(PRS/MRU&Gyro in one equipment)
• Interfaced available with all major navigation suites
• Major Windfarm, O&G, Cable Laying, Scientific and Defense
APPLICATIONS
operations all around the world

Gaps M5
With embedded
Octans Nano AHRS

Gaps M7
With embedded
Phins INS
ROV tracking AUV tracking

Gaps M5
995 m
2022-02 | V002 - REV A

Marine work DP
Gaps M5-XR
Gaps M7
4000 m

contact@ixblue.com | www.ixblue.com
EMEA +33 1 30 08 88 88 | Americas +1 303 993 4649 | APAC +65 6747 4912
GAPS SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

Positioning(1) Gaps M5 Gaps M7

Operating range 995m / 4000m* 4000m

Acoustic Precision* 0.10% 0.06%
(% of slant range CEP50)
Absolute accuracy** 0.2% 0.06%
(% of slant range CEP50)
Range / Bearing precision 0.02m / 0.10° 0.02m / 0.03°

*Range restricted to 995m with Gaps M5 and 4000m with Gaps M5-XR (Extended Range version)

Performance Gaps M5 Gaps M7

Coverage 200 deg below acoustic array 200 deg below acoustic array
Operating frequency 21.5 to 30.5 kHz 21.5 to 30.5 kHz

Positioning rate 0.8 seconds 0.8 seconds

Number of target 40 40

Mechanical Gaps M5 Gaps M7

Housing Carbon fiber painted Carbon fiber painted

Weigth in air/water 14 kg / NC 16 kg / -7 kg

Dimensions (HxØ) 520x296 mm 638x296 mm

INS/AHRS specifications Gaps M5 Gaps M7

Type AHRS INS

Heading accuracy 0.15 deg seclat (RMS) 0.01 deg seclat (RMS)

Roll/Pitch accuracy 0.1° RMS 0.01° RMS

*: in vertical condition, acoustic and INS/AHRS precision. SNRin > 20 dB

**: In vertical conditions. Including GNSS error of 0.1m. Sound velocity profile compensated. Transponder transmit level = 191 ref μPa@1m. Slant range of 900m. SNR>20dB

contact@ixblue.com | www.ixblue.com
EMEA +33 1 30 08 88 88 | Americas +1 303 993 4649 | APAC +65 6747 4912
GAPS SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

Environments
Temperature (Operating and storage) -5 °C to +35 °C and -40 °C to +70 °C

Shock vibration XPX 10-812 class B

EMC 89 / 336 / EEC – EN 60945

Interfaces Gaps M5 Gaps M7

Power supply 100 to 240 VAC / 50~60Hz 100 to 240 VAC / 50~60Hz
or 24/36 VDC - 22 W or 24/36 VDC - 30 W
Control / command Ethernet with web-based MMI Ethernet with web-based MMI

Input / output 1x Ethernet (RJ45) and 4 x Serial 1x Ethernet (RJ45) and 4 x Serial
(RS232/422/485) (RS232/422/485)

Synchronisation TTL (BNC) 2 ouputs and 2 inputs (1pps) TTL (BNC) 2 ouputs and 2 inputs (1pps)

GAPS BOX SPECIFICATIONS

Dimension 233 mm x 330 mm x 94 mm

Weight 4.6 kg
Temperature (Operating and storage) -5°C to +50°C -40°C to +80°C

GAPS SERIES TRANSPONDERS

Gaps is compatible with all iXblue MF beacons including:

Name Description Acoustic Applications

communication

MT9x2 series Internal rechargeable battery, ROV, Tow fish and diver
OEM, 1000, 3000m depth rated positioning

MT8x2 series Internal Lithium battery ROV, Tow fish and diver
3000m and 6000m depth rated positioning

MTBx2 series Mini transponder for AUV ˜ AUV positioning

OEM and 300m depth rated

Canopus LBL and Sparse LBL ˜ AUV positioning, LBL

Intelligent transponder calibration, Dynamic
4000 and 6000m depth rated Positioning (DP)

Third-party transponders compatibility: contact iXblue

contact@ixblue.com | www.ixblue.com
EMEA +33 1 30 08 88 88 | Americas +1 303 993 4649 | APAC +65 6747 4912
COMPONENTS

1 Gaps antenna
3 Gaps Box

2 Gaps cable

Operator
Workstation
Web-based
User interface
(PC not included)

4 DGPS Antenna
(optional)
Acoustic
transponders

1 Gaps antenna 2 Gaps cable 3 Gaps Box 4 DGPS Antenna

This is the main part of the
Gaps system. It combines
a USBL acoustic array and
INS/AHRS in the same
mechanical structure.
20/50/95m long cable
used to communicate
with Gaps head.
Extendable up to 190m
with a Repeater Box.
Gaps Box designed to A complete turnkey
interface between the Gaps solution is available on
head and external option, including a GPS
peripherals. receiver.

Side pole Buoy Moon pool Hoisting system Towed platform USV Pipelay Vessel

contact@ixblue.com | www.ixblue.com
EMEA +33 1 30 08 88 88 | Americas +1 303 993 4649 | APAC +65 6747 4912